A device for counting the rotations of a tire on a vehicle using the deformations that the tire undergoes on each rotation of the wheel, comprising a casing, a sensor intended to generate an electrical signal on each rotation of the wheel, and connection means intended to mechanically connect the casing and the sensor to the surface of the tire. The sensor is in the form of a passive sensor in one piece with the casing, whereof the signals emitted are in proportion with the variations over time in a magnetic flux through the said passive sensor, and a magnetic field generator is arranged opposite the passive sensor. The connection means mechanically connect the casing to a first surface A and the magnetic field generator to a second surface b, the two surfaces A and b being substantially coplanar and offset from one another in a direction D by a given distance L. The electrical signal is produced by the relative displacements of the said passive sensor and the said magnetic field generator.
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1. A device for counting rotations of an object undergoing deformation during a rotation, comprising:
two parts subject to relative movement under effect of the deformation, the first part including a magnetic field generator and the second part including a sensor sensitive to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator;
connection means mechanically connecting the second part to a first surface of the object and connecting the first part to a second surface of the object, the first and second surfaces of the object being offset from one another;
an interpreter configured to emit a pulse each time said device detects at least one cycle of signals emitted by the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator; and
counting means connected to the interpreter.
17. A device for counting rotations of a tire on a vehicle using deformations that the tire undergoes on each rotation of a wheel, comprising
a casing;
a sensor configured to generate an electrical signal on each rotation of the wheel; and
connection means for mechanically connecting the casing and the sensor to a surface of the tire;
wherein the sensor comprises
a magnetic field generator, and
a sensor sensitive to a magnetic field and in one piece with the casing, arranged opposite the magnetic field generators;
wherein said connection means mechanically connect the casing to a first surface and the magnetic field generator to a second surface b, the first and second surfaces being substantially coplanar and offset from one another in a direction by a given distance L; and
wherein said electrical signal is produced by relative displacements of said magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field.
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means for transmitting to an outside data indicating the number of pulses stored by the microprocessor.
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an autonomous system of electrical power supply to the electrical components.
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an interpreter which emits a pulse each time the interpreter detects at least one cycle of signals emitted by the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field.
41. The device according to one of
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a counting means connected to the interpreter.
44. The device according to
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a device for transmitting data indicating the number of pulses stored by the microprocessor.
46. The device according to
an autonomous electrical power supply system configured to supply power to the electronic components.
47. The device according to
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This is a U.S. national stage of application No. PCT/EP2005/051831, filed on 25 Apr. 2005.
The present invention relates to a device intended to be carried by a tire, for detecting the revolutions thereof as it travels. It also relates to a tire carrying a device of this kind.
An automotive vehicle generally has an odometer allowing the total distance that this vehicle has covered to be known. However, this counter provides no information on the distance covered by each tire of the vehicle.
For example, when tires are changed temporarily (for example in winter, when snow tires are put on) or when old worn-out tires are replaced, the distance displayed by the odometer no longer indicates the distance actually covered by the tires.
Conventionally, the only indication of the distance covered by a worn tire is thus the wear to its tread.
Tire manufacturers have thus had the idea of inserting a device which is one piece with the tire and inside the latter and which indicates the distance covered by this tire. Such devices already exist.
Of these devices, U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,679 discloses a device for counting the rotations of a tire on a vehicle, comprising a rigid casing, connection means intended to connect the casing mechanically to the inner surface of the tire, and a sensor intended to generate an electrical signal on each rotation of the wheel, in which the connection means comprise at least two mounting blocks which are offset from one another and the sensor is a force sensor arranged between the two mounting blocks.
The existing devices have a limited service life, however, since they have a high level of power consumption and are complex.
The invention relates to a similar device in which the sensor is in the form of a magnetic field generator and a sensor sensitive to the magnetic field and in one piece with the casing, arranged opposite the passive sensor, in that the connection means mechanically connect the casing to a first surface A and the magnetic field generator to a second surface B, the two surfaces A and B being substantially coplanar and offset from one another in a direction D by a given distance L, and in that the said electrical signal is produced by the relative displacements of the said passive sensor and the said magnetic field generator.
Preferably, the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field is a passive sensor.
This device is simpler than the existing devices and so more robust.
The sensor of the device, unlike the force sensor of the prior art, has no need of power in order to work. This allows the device of the invention to have greater autonomy than existing devices.
Optionally, the passive sensor of the device according to the invention may be a simple loop of conductive wire. In this case, electrical tension is created in the loop by induction when it is subjected to a variation in magnetic flux over time. One advantage of this coil is its great robustness. Unlike the force sensors or other sensors used previously in the prior art, which are complex and fragile sensors, a simple coil of conductive wire has a high resistance to the vibrations created by travel over the ground.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the connection means are such that a relative displacement normal to the direction D of the surfaces A and B brings about a relative displacement of the magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field substantially normal to the direction D.
The magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field may be arranged in opposition in a direction normal to the direction D.
According to a first example embodiment, the connection means, the casing and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field may advantageously be arranged in an L shape.
The means for connecting the casing and the sensor may also comprise a flexible soleplate having a first face intended to be permanently connected to the surface of the tire and at least one connection element to which the casing is fixed at a given spacing in relation to the soleplate.
The magnetic field generator is in this case advantageously embedded in the soleplate.
Preferably, the casing, the element for connecting the casing and the soleplate are generally U-shaped.
According to a second example embodiment, the means for connecting the magnetic field generator are in the form of a resilient connection element of arcuate elongate shape extending in the direction D between the surface B and a zone of the casing or element for connecting the casing which is opposite the surface A, the magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field being arranged in opposition between the two ends of the said element for connecting the sensor.
Preferably, the connection means comprise a flexible soleplate connecting the surfaces A and B.
This device has the advantage of allowing the surfaces A and B to be separated from one another and thus to increase the amplitude of relative movements between the two elements of the sensor.
According to a third example embodiment, the means for connecting the magnetic field generator are in the form of a resilient connection element of arcuate elongate shape extending in the direction D between the surface B and a surface B′ arranged beyond the surface A, the magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field being arranged in opposition between the two ends of the said element for connecting the magnetic field generator.
Preferably, the connection means comprise a flexible soleplate connecting the surfaces A, B and B′.
This device makes it possible in certain conditions, for example when it is arranged on the inner surface of the tire below the crown, to make the device for counting the rotations of the tire more sensitive. The device is in this case preferably arranged with the direction D oriented in the circumferential direction. It is also possible to arrange this device on the surface of the sidewall, with the orientation still in the circumferential direction.
The magnetic field generator and the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field may also be arranged in opposition in a direction parallel to the direction D.
According to a fourth example embodiment, the connection means comprise an element for connecting the casing separating the said casing from the surface A by a given height and an element connecting the magnetic field generator separating the said magnetic field generator from the surface B by a given height, and in which the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field is in one piece with the casing and is arranged at a height in relation to the surface A which is substantially identical to the height separating the magnetic field generator from the surface B.
A device of this kind may preferably be arranged close to the beads of the tire with a radial orientation D.
According to a second embodiment, the connection means are such that a relative displacement normal to the direction D of the surfaces A and B brings about a relative displacement of the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field and the magnetic field generator substantially parallel to the direction D.
According to a fifth example embodiment which corresponds to this second embodiment, the means for connecting the magnetic field generator may comprise two elongate arms with a connection point in an L shape, such that the generator is arranged substantially at the said connection point, the first arm extends from the connection point to an adjoining zone substantially on the surface A and the second arm extends from the connection point to the surface B.
The connection means advantageously comprise a flexible soleplate connecting the surfaces A and B.
A device of this kind may preferably be arranged close to the beads of the tire with a radial orientation D.
The distance L between the surface A and the surface B is advantageously greater than 20 mm, in order to give the device good sensitivity. In the case of a tire for heavy vehicles, this distance may be in the order of 30 mm.
The distance H, the spacing between the magnetic field generator and the passive sensor, may be between 10 and 15 mm (in the free state, or before the device is mounted on the surface of the tire).
The magnetic field generator may be a permanent magnet or an assembly of permanent magnets. This generator may also be in the form of rubber mixes including magnetic particles. The permanent magnet or magnets are preferably of the samarium-cobalt type, to ensure good performance at high temperature.
The invention also relates to a tire carrying the above device for counting rotations.
The device is preferably arranged on the inside surface of the tire. The surface A of the device may advantageously be arranged on the inner surface of one of the beads of the tire. The surface B is in this case advantageously arranged substantially radially outwards in relation to the surface A. The distance E between the surface A and the radially inward end of the inner surface of the tire may be greater than 50 mm.
It is in fact found with this arrangement that the surface A has only very small variations in profile on passing through the area of contact, while the surface B starts to have marked variations, greater than 1 mm in the case of tires for heavy vehicles. As a consequence, the variations in the distance between the magnetic field generator and the passive sensor have the same amplitude, and the device has excellent sensitivity.
The device according to the invention may also be arranged on the inner surface of the crown of the tire, such that the surfaces A and B are oriented substantially in the circumferential direction. Variations in the relative positions of the surfaces A and B and of the magnetic field generator and the passive sensor are then associated with the flattening of the crown of the tire when it passes through the area of contact.
The device according to the invention may, as another possibility, be arranged on the outside surface of the tire, at a radial height greater than the height of the rim hooks on which the tire has to be mounted, in order to avoid any problem with mounting or during travel. In this case, maintenance of the device is facilitated. It is preferable in this case to provide a device for protection, to avoid damage thereto.
The device according to the invention may furthermore include one or more of the following features:
The invention also relates to a device for counting the rotations of an object which undergoes deformation in the course of a rotation, comprising two parts subject to relative movement under the effect of the deformation, characterised in that the first part includes a magnetic field generator, while the second part includes a sensor sensitive to the said magnetic field.
The signals generated by the sensor as a result of the relative movement between the first part and the second part are thus associated with the deformation of the object in the course of rotation and hence allow the rotations to be counted easily.
The sensor may be in the form of a passive sensor, for example a simple coil, which allows the need to supply electrical power to the sensor to be avoided.
Similarly, the magnetic field generator may be a magnet, which also allows an electrical power supply at the generator to be avoided.
When one of the parts is connected to the object by an arm (or member), the latter may where appropriate have a certain resilience. This resilience on the one hand allows the risk of the arm breaking to be avoided, thus imparting good durability in functioning, and on the other contributes to defining a reference position about which the part concerned can be displaced. Even though this resilience can bring about a slight phase offset between the relative movement of the sensor and the magnetic field generator, on the one hand, and the deformation of the object, on the other, the frequency of the relative movement of the sensor and the magnetic field generator still corresponds to that of the deformations generated by rotation of the object and hence can still serve as the basis for counting these rotations.
In practice, the device may include an interpreter which emits a pulse each time it detects at least one cycle of signals emitted by the sensor. The interpreter includes, for example, a comparator which allows the cycles to be determined particularly simply, and which consequently consumes little power, and/or means for amplifying the signals, which is particularly advantageous when a passive sensor is used.
The device may also comprise a counter which, each time it receives a predetermined number of pulses from the interpreter, transmits a pulse to a microprocessor which includes means for storing the number of pulses received from the counter. Thus, the processor can operate for only a minimal proportion of the time of use, which also allows the electrical power consumption of the device to be reduced.
The device may furthermore include means for transmitting to the outside data indicating the number of pulses stored by microprocessor. The number of pulses stored by the microprocessor which, it goes without saying, indicates the number of rotations the object has performed, may thus be read off without making contact with another device.
The electrical power supply of the device may be provided by an autonomous system for the supply of electrical power to the electronic components (for example a battery), in particular thanks to the low power consumption of the device thanks, for example, to some at least of the features above, which allows the device to be used even in environments in which no outside electrical power supply is available.
The invention will be more readily understood from reading the description below, which is given solely by way of example and which refers to the attached drawings, in which:
The casing 2 carries the passive sensor 5 and all the means 8 for electrical power supply and signal processing.
The connection means include a soleplate 4, an element 3 for connecting the casing 2 and an element 7 for connecting the magnet 6. The soleplate 4 has a first face 41, which is intended to be permanently connected to the surface of the tire, and a second face 42. This soleplate is advantageously made of flexible rubber, so that it can follow the deformations of the surface of the tire. The element 3 for connecting the casing 2 allows the casing 2 and the soleplate 4 to be made mechanically integral with one another, such that the casing follows all the displacements of the surface A, the zone of the soleplate adjacent to the connection element 3. This connection element 3 may also be made of rubber material, but it must be substantially harder in order to guarantee its mechanical functions of holding and making integral. The magnet 6 is embedded in the connection element 7.
The casing 2, the connection element 3 and the soleplate 4 are generally U-shaped. The passive sensor 5 is arranged at the end of one of the two arms of the U and the magnet 6 is arranged at the other end. These two elements form the sensor of the device and are arranged opposite one another in a direction normal to the direction D connecting the surfaces A and B. The sensor is offset from the connection element 3 by a length L greater than 20 mm, and in the order of 30 mm for the tires of heavy vehicles. The magnet 6 and the passive sensor 5 are separated from one another by a distance H of between 10 and 15 mm in the free state. The connection element 7 positions the magnet 6 here, projecting from the end of the soleplate 4. It may also be embedded in the soleplate 4. The magnet 6 will be able to follow all the displacements of the surface B of the soleplate 4 and the surface of the adjoining tire.
The soleplate 4 also comprises a raised kerb 9 intended to receive and fix a hood for protecting the device when it is arranged on the surface of a tire, or during any retread operations thereon. A hood of this kind may in particular be made of glass fibre reinforced plastics material.
It is found that there is virtually no variation in this profile, as it passes through the area of contact, over the entire zone of beads of the tire, the zone close to the bead wire and bearing on the outer side of the tire against the rim hook. By contrast, on the radially outer side the spacing between the two profiles shown continues to increase.
Thus, a first favourable position for installation of the device according to the invention is with the surface A placed adjacent to the radially outer end of the zone of beads of the tire, so that the displacements of this surface A and thus of the casing and the passive sensor are very much reduced during travel. The surface B is in this case placed on the radially outer side in relation to the surface A. This is what is shown in
With a distance L in the order of 30 mm between the centres of the surfaces A and B, the variations in the profile and hence in the distance between the passive sensor and the magnet as they pass through the area of contact are in the order of 1 mm.
The passive sensor 5 is advantageously a coil whereof the direction of sensitivity (identical to the axis of the coil) is oriented in the direction S, normal to the direction D. The magnet is also placed with its two poles oriented in the direction S. Any variation in the distance between the magnet and the coil will thus bring about a variation in the magnetic flux passing through the coil, and emits a signal proportional to this variation, in accordance with Faraday's law and Lenz's law.
The signal generated by the coil is a periodic signal whereof the frequency is equal to the frequency at which the tire rotates.
The stronger and faster the variations in the magnetic flux passing through the coil, the larger the signal generated by the coil: its amplitude thus also depends on the speed of rotation of the coil. In a particular embodiment, the signal is integrated to obtain the value of the field and eliminate the effect of the speed.
The dimensions of the casing are approximately 50 mm×20 mm. The total height of the device is approximately 20 mm and its weight is in the order of 20 g.
It is found that passing through the area of contact is shown, in the output from the amplifier 26, as a first peak of negative amplitude followed by a second of positive amplitude. At the output of the interpreter, the signals comprise only a single pulse (S2), corresponding to each wheel rotation.
A test was carried out with a device of this kind glued to the inner surface of the bead of a tire mounted on the driving axle of a load-bearing vehicle MAN 14. The kilometers measured correspond to the kilometers covered, within 5%. The information on kilometers is obtained from radio interrogation via a manual reader close to the tire, at the rear of the vehicle. It is thus possible to transmit the results to the driver's cab and to display them.
Another position is below the crown of the tire, in a zone 16. The two arms of the U of the device 1 are in this case arranged in a circumferential direction. The variations in distance between the magnet and the coil are linked to the flattening of the crown as it passes through the area of contact.
As previously, the directions in which the magnets and the coil are sensitive are oriented in a manner normal to the direction D. Any variation in the relative positions of the magnets and the coil will also bring about an electrical signal in the coil 73.
The embodiments described above have been given purely by way of non-restrictive examples, and may be the subject of any desirable modifications without in so doing departing from the scope of the invention.
Jeandey, Christian, Robert, Michel, Perrier, Bernard
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Apr 25 2005 | Commissariat a l Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Jun 28 2007 | PERRIER, BERNARD | MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S A | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019616 | /0301 | |
Jun 29 2007 | ROBERT, MICHEL | MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S A | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019616 | /0301 | |
Jul 06 2007 | JEANDEY, CHRISTIAN | MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S A | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 019616 | /0301 | |
May 27 2011 | MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S A | Commissariat a l Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 026351 | /0877 |
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